May 16, 2011

Harmony Sweeps results

Vocal harmony once again ruled the night as the nine performing groups sang at their very best to help create another exciting evening of a cappella music. The judges took longer than usual to decide the winners as the field was so close. The results are:-

Although Da Capo is a barbershop quartet their winning material was more in the close harmony style and was not what is usually allowed in official barbershop competitions which have strict rules regarding how (and what) can be sung. Their rendition of "Blue Moon Over Kentucky" was stunning and the blend impeccable.

One advantage barbershop groups often have is the technique and vocal discipline that their style of singing demands and when these groups are unleashed from the constrains of traditional barbershop they can really shine. Such was the case for our winners this weekend.

I often get groups lobbying to allow effects units in the Sweeps but when I hear such sweet harmony as sung by Da Capo it reinforces my belief that the Harmony Sweeps is about that marvelous instrument the human voice and nothing sounds better then when these voices are sung in unadulterated pure harmony.

Comments

De Capo was stunning. I thought there was no way barbershop could have taken both categories and I was pleasantly shocked to see them carry both. My husband's comment: My faith in humanity has been restored. Fabulous show with an amazing range of styles and talent.